Heretics of Dune by Frank Herbert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When author Frank Herbert wrote his famous Dune series, he had nothing in mind for its success or failure, with the initial installment of his franchise having been the product of six years of research and a novel of ecological and human concern. Publishers turned it down twelve times before its official publication, with the author noting that he wrote parts of its sequels before the first Dune story. As with its predecessors, the penultimate entry of his series before his death contains various philosophical quotes commencing each chapter that provide good insights into the society of the Known Universe.

Heretics introduces the twelfth Duncan Idaho, a twelve-year-old, with Reverend Mother Schwangyu observing his behavior on planet Gammu, once Caladan. The Mother Superior Taraza effected the creation of the twelfth clone, with the Sisterhood dreading another Kwisatz Haderach, vowing not to take the clone to Rakis, formerly Arrakis or Dune. In the meantime, a girl from the former desert world named Sheeana Brugh learns to control sandworms, with the late God Emperor Leto II, fifteen centuries dead before the book’s timeframe, predicting a sandrider.

Reverend Mother Taraza has a meeting with a woman who had borne nineteen children for the Bene Gesserit, Darwi Odrade, on the Chapter House planet. The latest Duncan clone gradually gains memories from prior incarnations, such as being a ghola, with backstory given on the Bene Tleilax, divided into Face Dancers that serve as mules submissive to Masters. Also introduced is the Weapons Master to Duncan, Miles Teg, who didn’t want to come on assignment to Gammu, but Taraza personally requested him, with background given on him as well like his wife’s death thirty-eight years past, and grandchildren through his daughter Dimela.

The eleven-year-old Sheeana has been with the priests on Rakis for three years and is interested in the planet’s desert environs. She befriends a worm and names it Shaitan, with her regular wormriding causing disdain among the clergy overseeing her growth. Miles Teg receives additional backstory, being a Mentat, with one of his earliest memories being a dinner with his brother Sabine, whom he adored. Time skips also occur sporadically, with Duncan turning fifteen. However, some inconsistencies appear, like a mention of him at a younger age than the twelve years he starts at.

Some familial revelations sporadically come throughout the story, with other characters introduced, like Tylwyth Waff, a Tleilaxu Master of Masters. Teg ultimately finds himself on the run from adversaries late in the novel. After I finished, I found this to be another enjoyable series entry; however, better definitions of unique terms like no-ships and no-globes, the former vessels that can turn invisible, would have been welcome. The novel further emphasizes human interest more than science fiction. Even so, it’s a good yarn, likely to be relished by series enthusiasts; however, newcomers to the Duniverse will likely want to start from the beginning.

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Some notes on this chapter:

As with the first chapter I used ChatGPT to enhance the dialogue, using Cockney dialect for Jaani and Norwegian accenting for the Asyyr characters, not to mention French for the skunk chef. I also generated this image through Copilot to show what Jaani roughly looks like and Zyyaeon.

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Make way, make way to Zyyaeon,
The royal home of God!
He judges all as equals,
For none shall spare the rod!
Greet Him who comes in glory,
Jehu of ancient story!
O blessed is He who came
Bystopfia's people to tame!
-Asyyr hymn

13/24/4875 IIIÆ

1

Jaani breathed heavily in his sleep, given his nightmare about meeting Lady Lyn, before the echo of distant one Æklaak bells woke him up. He got out of bed and put on his Asyyrjugent uniform, leaving into the cavern only to find he and his roach were its sole occupants. He knew that hadn't been a fantasy, given his memory of Otsmerelda, definitely a woman of sounder personality and beauty, but he doubted he would chance her against. Too apathetic to start a fire and waste his time cooking a meal, he reentered his carriage, eating some of his beetle jerky, washing it down with some snow-water he had collected on his trip.

Whatever the case, he hitched his roach to his carriage and got back on the subterranean road, the hours blazing by with no distractions. During this leg of his journey, he occasionally saw signs hanging from the cavern ceiling noting the distance to Asyyrgraad, the numbers dropping throughout each hour. There were also many sideroads to villages he didn't care about, their inhabitants most seeming to be Nybehlunken, given that they were the most frequent passersby, but there were occasional full-sized Bystopferen. Given that there were no obstacles to impede his progress, the crown prince was confident he would reach the capital metropolis by the end of the day, and carried on. He looked forward to reaching the world's northernmost cities and had seen glorious illustrations of them in the past.

Midday on his journey, Jaani slowed his vehicle upon seeing a Kylomytr or so ahead iron doors with paths leading to either side, undoubtedly the border between Kaulilanunat and Asyyrgraad. The crown prince slowed his vehicle further as the doors enlarged, and he completely halted a little before them, descending from the driver's seat and letting the Asyyr soldiers inspect his carriage, exploring the inside in case there was contraband, which he knew there wasn't. From his backpack, he removed his passport denoting his identity and royalty, the soldiers scanning and stamping it before handing it back. However, they didn't open the doors.

"Summat up?"

"Nohting at all, dear prrince!"

"Wot, then?"

"Ve know you are hoongry and just vant to invite you to lunch vith us!"

"Ah, good..."

"Ve also haf, vell, faster means of getting you nort’!"

"Wot?"

"But ve’ll tell you later! Come, now!"



2

Thus, Jaani followed the Asyyr soldiers into one of the side paths as a changing of the guard occurred. After this was a straightforward path with many singular doors, and eventually a pair of doors leading into a vast mess hall, with many soldiers conversing, the crown prince sitting among them.

He asked, “Think I could make it to Zyyaeon by day’s end?”

"By carriage, yah, but you vould arrive a leetle before nightfall."

“Why? The Djyambor ain’t for a few days yet, innit?”

"Vell, you could haf more time to explore de vonderful city of Zyyaeon!"

“Any other way o’ gettin’ there ‘cept a carriage or a fly? I’d take a fly, but I reckon it’s bloody freezin’ up top, yeah?”

"Yah, ve can understand vhy you vould rather travel underground—since it is much varmer—but dere are parts of our new mode of transport dat make travel above more bearable!"

“Like wot, then?”

"You vill find out after lunch. Ah, here it comes now!"

Several soldier cooks entered the mess hall, populating the table with various good eats like giant shrimp, lobster, and crab from the oceans of Bystopfia, landborne insect meat, fruits, vegetables, and drinks he assumed were non-Auelkuulik due to the sentinels needing to perform their duties for the rest of the day; Jaani guessed the milk would be fine. Though he salivated, he restrained himself.

"Let us pray," invited the soldier next to him. "To de almighty Lord Jehuveshah, ve tank you kindly for dis meal ve are about to partake in, and dat you bless it to de nourishment of our bodies. Ve are grateful for de coming of anudder year in de Tird Æpaak of our vorld, and dat ve may one day join You in celestial service. In your great name ve pray. Amen."

"Amen!" echoed everyone else, beginning lunch.



3

“Lookin’ forward to this new way o’ gettin’ us to the capital quicker, I am," Jaani lauded as he followed the soldiers through the corridors outside the dining hall.

"Ve are sure you are! You von’t have to vait much longer!"

The crown prince continued to follow the soldiers through the hallway to a pair of doors other guardsmen held open, ascending the following stairs into the frigid exterior of the borderlands between Kaulilanunat and Asyyrgraad. While Jaani's scouting outfit was reasonably thick, he still felt cold, especially his head's exposed portions, making him rub them to keep warm. So that the surprise means of conveyance was not instantly spoiled, he held his gloved hands to his eyes.

"Here it is, good traveler!" the head of the guards proclaimed. "Take a look!"

"'Course I will!"

Jaani removed his hands from his face and opened his eyes, experiencing initial disappointment. He saw that he and the regiment were at the Einmytr-high stone wall between nations, the town where they stood, Nortboedrburk, on the northern side, Sudboedrburk on the southern. They seemed typical northern settlements, with many thick log and stone-constructed wooden buildings, perfect for repelling the frigid northern cold, akin to those in Nuukthab. A tall Asyyrkirk cathedral of the same build had yet to signal the coming of seven Æklaak, meaning the otter Kyymaer hadn't lunched long with the guardsmen, Children played in the stone-paved streets as their parents and guardians monitored, a few engaging in typical recreations like snowball fights and snowbeast construction.

“The towns are pretty an’ all, but how the bloody Hekh you gonna get us north, eh?”

"Obviusly you are looking in da vrong direction, dear trraveller. Look oover dere!"

Jaani gazed in the direction the soldier indicated and finally saw what he was talking about. From the bottom, it appeared a standard ship given its natural shape, but oddly, the bottom didn't completely rest upon the field, swaying slightly in various directions. The crown prince lifted his eyes to glimpse the rest, seeing a golden statue on the fore of Lord Jehuveshah, a winged ram sheep. Above the ship deck were many wires suspending an enormous elliptical construct likely responsible for the levitation, with some openings beneath, blazing torches propelling hot air into the oval.

“Blimey...by Jehu, that’s a sight.”

"Dis vould be an airship, de Zanktkoenig Vohtaanus!"

“Bloomin’ lovely...”

“Do you care to board herr?”

“’Course I would!”

“Follow along, den!”

Thus, Jaani followed the guardsmen toward the mobile wooden stairs leading to open steel doors a few Einmytren above the bottom of the airship, accommodating upward and downward pedestrian traffic. They ascended, passing several descenders, reaching the open doors and seeing the portal undulate, somewhat unnerving him, although the gap was minimal. Therefore, he quickly made his passage, needing not to leap, safely entering the vessel, walking a few steps, turning, and watching the guardsmen follow.



4

"Velcome aboard!" greeted a ferretess wearing an Asyyr naval uniform, purple with gold epaulets and embroidery, a bicorne on her head. Eyeing the prince, she said, "Vhy, hello dere!"

“To you as well, me fair lady!”

The blonde, blue-eyed, white-faced, brown-furred giggled. "You are a cute one, you know. I am Fleet Admiral Ferrotyys of de Asyyr Air Force!"

"Air force, eh?"

"Dat is correct, good sirr!"

“Ain’t never heard of Asyyrgraad ’avin’ an air force — or whatever you lot call it. I know Atturgraad’s got soldiers flyin’ about on them flies an’ that, but they’re part o’ the army, right? Somethin’ new, is it?”

"De first on Bystopfia! Dat is, unless Nivlhyym one-upped us in dat regard."

“Far as I know, they ain’t been up to nothin’ dodgy since the start o’ the Third Æpaak, Madam Fleet Admiral.”

"Please, you are more dan velcome to call me Vlemyna—or Myna, for short."

"In that case, Myna, you can call me Holtja--Jaani."

"Dat I vill, Holtja—Jaani!"

"Sorry, just Jaani."

"I yest, I yest! Jaani I’ll call you! I know vell dat how you introduced yourself is perhaps your full first name!"

“Nah, that weren’t it. Please — just call me Jaani, yeah? I’d rather folks didn’t know me full first name, if that’s alright.”

"By de vay, dat accent—vhere are you from? By de tone of your voice, I vould say South Anagumayra."

“Yeah, I’m from round that way, I am…”

"Very vell, den. Vould you like to start de tour now?"

“’Course! Let’s get crackin’! I mean—on the tour, right? Sorry if I got the wrong end o’ the stick there.”

"No issue vith dat, dear Jaani! Come along!"

The crown prince followed the fleet admiral and the others to the center of the current chamber, which seemed to span from the port to starboard sides. In the center was a square stairwell whose staircase was wide enough to allow four standard-sized Bystopfers side-by-side, but once the party reached it, they opted for nearby double doors that led them into a vast storage area with countless barrels and boxes, many labyrinthine paths cutting through them. All seemed secure, Jaani not questioning their contents since he feared execution by Asyyrgraad due to espionage. Thus, he silently followed the fleet admiral to the first intersection in the path from the entrance.

"Dis is vhere ve store our supplies—critical to de passengers, military and civilian alike. Anyone care to know vhat’s inside dem?"

“Wouldn’t dream of it, nah. I reckon you wanna keep this airship under wraps from the rest o’ the world, yeah? The thing’s amazin’ as it is, an’ I ain’t tryin’ to poke round in other countries’ secrets.”

"Bingo, Jaani! Ve’d kill you on de spot!"

The crown prince nervously chuckled. “Right then — best get on with the tour, yeah?”



5

The fleet admiral guided the soldiers and scout prince back into the bottommost level to the stairway, leading them to the stern wall where another pair of doors were. Two footmen held them open, letting through the tourists, after which they themselves followed, the atmosphere of the following area far different from the cargo chamber. In this vast hall, there were a lot of insect cries, the port and starboard sides having many square wooden doors with planks spanning from one diagonal to the other to form X's, Jaani supposing that they led into bug chambers, the bugs themselves likely avian, fit for an aerial warship. A single pair of similar doors he could spot at the far stern end, the crown prince wondering why the Asyyr Air Force would waste such space for just one, two, or three insects.

“Oi, is this another stable, then?” wondered Jaani.

"Vell, obviusly, dear Jaani." The fleet admiral went to a nearby pair of stable doors, opening them to reveal a room floored with straw just as the main hall wall, inside which were a mother and father fly with their children. "Nohting secret about using vinged beasts in our military!"

“Too right, Myra. Wot’s through them doors at the far end o’ the ’all, then?”

"Dat vould be a secret."

“’Course it does. But I’m guessin’ the floor opens up, yeah? Lets the bugs out proper?” Jaani suggested, eying the barely-visible grooves below forming a rough rectangle with a line down its longer portion.

"Vell observed! Now on vith de tour!"

The fleet admiral guided Jaani and the footmen outside the stable hall, ascending the central staircase to the next level which seemed identical to the area below with a pair of doors on the bow and stern sides, and observation windows on the shorter port and starboard sides. The bow doors they first approached, soldiers opening them and allowing them into what seemed to be a kitchen, where white-clothed and -hatted chefs busily readied meals. The noise of clattering cookware and utensils, mixing and scooping ingredients, echoed throughout the area, the mouth-watering aromas making the crown prince salivate, though he was dignified enough not to show this since he had recently dined back in the subterranean checkpoint. The soldiers showed equivalent solemnity, but the otter Kyymaer knew appearances could deceive.

"Dis, I am sure you all can tell, is de kitchen—vhere all our ship’s delicious meals come to fruition!"

"We guarantee ze very best food in ze world, non?" one of the cooks, Jaani guessing from his accent that he hailed from the Empire of Frankgallia, proclaimed.

“Cor, that smells proper tasty, that does," commented Jaani.

"Much better zan my parfum des fesses, oui?"

“I’m bloody sure, I am.” Jaani saw the chef was a redheaded, brown-eyed striped skunk. “Let’s ’ope it never comes to that, eh?”

"Only eef you provoke me enough, eh!"

"I am sure it von’t, unless ve are attacked, Monsieur Sçuneaux," the fleet admiral supposed, the two having a good laugh.

“Where d’those doors go, then?” Jaani asked, noticing those on the bow side of the kitchen. “Food storage, I s’pose? Not askin’ past that.”

"Oui, oui, mon ami! But eef you go in, you weel get a nose-full of mon parfum!"

“Right then, I won’t poke me nose in no more.”

"I tink ve should go now."



6

The fleet admiral guided her guests outside the kitchen to the starboard doors in the stairwell and observation area, two of her subordinates again opening them before they themselves followed, entering a dining hall with numerous circular white-draped tables, fancy-clothed nobles occupying them. Upon entering, the high-society folk eyed the entourage, chattering among themselves about why military men and women would intrude like this, although Myna eventually saluted. While a few returned the gesture, most nodded and simply returned to their meals, which Jaani saw were fanciful.

"I am sure you all can see dis is vhere de higher-class passengers eat. Let’s move along, now!"

Back into the observation and stair hall went the entourage, ascending to the next level, unsurprisingly similar in appearance. Myna guided everyone to the bow doors and went inside, but what followed wasn't another vast area. Rather, it was a narrow hall wide enough, around two Einmytren or so, to accommodate two-way traffic. Pairs of doors centered the port and starboard sides, with another set at the far bow end of the corridor. Forward led the fleet admiral, stopping midway in the passage and facing the port doors, soldiers holding them open to reveal another hallway that an observation area, open windows and all, ended. As with the prior corridor, two sets of doors centered the bow and stern sides, the ferretess approaching the latter pair.

These doors revealed yet another hallway, somewhat larger than the previous, with two pairs of doors on the port and starboard sides, each centering the first and last quarter points. The fleet admiral led her guests to the third-quarter stretch of the hall, facing those on the port side and opening them to reveal what Jaani supposed were barracks for the airwomen of the aerial navy, although there were only around a dozen or so-- given the worldwide taboo of military women--wearing purple and gold-embroidered naval uniforms topped with violet sailor hats crowned by golden pompoms. A few airwomen rested in their beds, some atop their bedcovers, others walking about or conversing. Upon seeing their supreme leader, all broke from their current actions, stood, and saluted her.

"At ease, vomen."

"Aye, madam!"

"These are de vomen’s barracks, you can probably tell. De men have their own as vell, de higher-ranking ones their own bedrooms, but since ve already have a good idea of vhat one gender’s barracks look like, and ve don’t vant to violate de privacy of either sex, ve need not take a tour of de others."

"Saves us some time. I suppose we should go on."



7

Thus, the fleet admiral led her party back into the main stair corridor, ascending to the next level. Here, she guided them to the bow doors, two soldiers allowing them through. The following hallway seemed similar to the narrower corridors below, except there were many single doors on the port and starboard sides with maybe a few airmen, airwomen, and ground forces wandering about, some conversing, and saluting their leader upon noticing her. Jaani could see bedrooms through whatever doors were ajar.

"Dese are de personal quarters of whoever ranks high in our military, as I am sure our scout guest can see."

“Tell ya what, I could proper settle in on a ship like this — live ’ere for good, maybe. Ain’t as flash as a palace, sure, but I don’t need all that royal fluff anyway.”

"To make sacrifices is one of de tenets of de Asyyrkirk, Mr. Jaani. In Jehu, dere is no east, vest, nort’, sout’, or anything else. I am certain you vill one day become part of His kingdom—so long as you believe, and be like Him vith good vorks and character."

“I’m after ’Is glory more’n me own, that’s for sure — swear it.”

Indeed. Back to de tour—ve need not visit de nobles’ quarters, since dey are pretty much de same in terms of appearance."

“That’ll save us a bit o’ time, no doubt.”

Onvard, den!"

Myna guided the party back into the main hall, ascending to the next level, which seemed similar to those below, the ferretmaid leading the entourage to the stern doors, going through into a vast area spanning two stories. The visitors first found themselves under an overhang with stairs on the port and starboard sides indicating that it was a platform. Forward they traversed, Jaani looking back and seeing another set of doors on the bow of the platform, with a few airmen watching the convoluted mechanics that undoubtedly powered the vessel. This sight awed the crown prince, who knew that some militaries across Bystopfia applied similar techniques to power their naval ships, Atturgraad included.

“Engine room, innit?”

"Vell observed, my friend. Ve are certain your own country’s vessels utilize de same technology."

“Else you wouldn’t’ve shown me, right?”

"Qvite correct. Now on vith de tour!"



8

Thus, the ferretess led her entourage back into the main hall, crossing to the bow side and entering through the opposite pair of doors, entering a library, with many military and civilian beasts browsing and reading books, sitting at tables, on sofas, or on couches. A few beasts occupied whole sofas, napping or reading as they did so, but those seeking to sit were more than happy to accommodate those that did so.

"I tink dis area of de airship needs no explanation."

“I clocked your lips just now — where we off to next, then?”

"De deck."

“Best brace ourselves for the cold, eh?”

"I tink you vill be surprised, good sirr."

"Oh, yeah?"

"Come, now!"

Back into the main hall and up the stairs went the entourage, Jaani suspecting they would reenter the freezing cold, and he did at first notice the scenery was brighter, augmented by the snow white of distant areas of Asyyrgraad beyond the deck. However, the temperature was comfortable, the crown prince noticing an occasional orangish glow around a Einmytr or so past the exterior, which he attributed to the work of Aesfyyren, Ma'ajyyk-attuned beasts, confirmed when he glimpsed one of the airmen fire from his hands twin firebolts that touched the translucent forcefield, perhaps to strengthen it, the shots dissipating and spreading to reenergize the boundary. This gave the otter Kyymaer the idea that he could perhaps negotiate with high-level Asyyr officials, perhaps the Zanktkoenig Himself, so maybe Atturgraad could get its paws and hooves on such technology, though he dared not inquire now.

You may be surprised dat it’s varm here on de deck, my good scout, but dat’s because de Aesfyyren here are providing plenty of varmth."

“I’ve seen a few now an’ then, so I figured as much. Wot else is there to clap me eyes on?”

“My prrivate cabins!”

"Okay, then. Let's go!"



9

Thus, the fleet admiral led her party up one of the stairways on the stern side of the Vohtaanus, another pair of doors indicating the entrance into her personal quarters, two soldiers among the entourage opening them to let all inside. The chamber's port and starboard sides were lined with bookshelves holding fancily-bordered texts and a few containers. Gazing sternward, the otter Kyymaer saw a desk three-by-two Einmytren wide, atop which sat a globe of Bystopfia, along with what he guessed was a closed diary, a pen and quill close by. He saw yet another pair of doors at the far stern end, perhaps leading onto an observation deck for her personal use, and a well-built bed on the starboard side.

"Dis is my office and quarters vhere all de Ma’ajyyk happens."

“Wot about the Aesfyyren in yer crew, then?”

Myna chucked. "I stand corrected, dear Jaani."

“Awright. Anythin’ else worth seein’?"

"I tink ve’ve reached de end of our tour."

“We headin’ off now, or wot?”

"Of course! It’s just a matter of me giving de OK to do so!"

"Are you ready, Myna?"

"Yes, I am! Outside, evryvone!”

“Aye, mahdam!”

Everyone went outside, where Myna commanded, "All hands on deck!"

"Aye, mahdam!"

The deck sailors assembled, one of them asking, “Yourr orders?”

"Prepare de Vohtaanus for liftoff! Today ve fly nort’ to Zyyaeon!"

"Aye-aye!"

Jaani, curious as to what liftoff would entail, gazed down from the port side of the airship to glimpse a few footmen release the rope, allowing it to float skyward. As it began to move forward, the crown prince ascended to the navigation deck where the fleet admiral had gone, seeing one of her subordinates taking the wheel and rotating it to get the airship facing northward. When it began to move forward, the otter Kyymaer wanted to see how the vessel exterior would look as it soared towards Bystopfia's northernmost city and briefly walked to the stern edge, gazing down from the polished wooden railing and seeing a system of propellers and circular vents that blazed with Aesfyyren fire and gave the ship greater speed.

North faced the aerial transport, after which it flew forward at increasing speed, Jaani initially expecting that those upon the deck would be forced backward by the wind. However, he could perfectly maintain his position and had little difficulty descending the navigation platform, advancing to the bow, seeing the sky trail forward to be surprisingly crystal-clear. On the distant horizon, he could glimpse a speck that shot illumination upward, this he supposed to be Zyyaeon. The light intensified as time passed, the crown prince looking forward to experiencing the city, hoping he would get to do side activities other than participate in the Dyamboor, especially gain favor from the Zanktkoenig Himself, perhaps benefit his homeland's military with the technology he was currently experiencing.



10

It had been around eight Æklaak when the Vohtaanus departed the checkpoint, and near the twelfth hour, Zyyaeon was now well in view. It was a majestic city, extending for endless Kylomytren, gleaming alabaster buildings standing tall, centered by an elevated portion defended by a circular wall. The airship wasn't alone in the airspace, others in various volumes hovering above the megalopolis. The city streets were busy but not congested, the paved golden roads allowing citizens on foot or in vehicles free passage if not by sky.

"Blimey," Jaani proclaimed.

"Indeed," agreed the fleet admiral. "You vill never find a haven full of righteous saints and heroes."

“So I’ve ’eard. Where we touchin’ down, then?”

"Dere."

Myna indicated the central barrier, where several towers extended that would likely lead them to the wall itself and maybe to the streets of the city center. As the airship descended to one of the towers, several soldiers emerged to greet them.

"Hello, dere!" greeted one of the watchmen. "Velcome to Zyyaeon! Ve vill help you all make your descent!"

"Not all of us vill need your help, good sirr!" assured the fleet admiral as she walked to the edge of the ship, climbed the railing, and leapt overboard.

To glimpse this gravely concerned Jaani, who hastened to the railing and frantically asked, “Myna, you alright, love?”

"Relax, relax!" she shouted back. "I am an Aesfyyr like most of de crew—though you probably did not know."

“That’s a weight off, that is.”

"How about taking a leap of fait' yourself, Jaani?"

“Jehu, no! Wot if none of you lot catch me?”

"If you vould feel more comfortable, ve can always have one of de Syrapferen bring you down!"

“Actually...that ain’t a bad shout.”

Before the fleet admiral gave the command, a Syrapfer Asyyr soldier on the barrier spread his wings and leapt grandly, landing upon the deck of the Vohtaanus nimbly. "Dis vill be a quick process."

"Wot now, then?"

"I take you upon my shoulderrs."

“Bit like a piggyback, that, innit?”

"Pretty much an anybeastback ride, not restricted to de porcines of Bystopfia."

“So a Syrapferback ride, then, eh?”

"You could say dat, yes!"

Thus, Jaani, climbed onto the Syrapfer's shoulders, the wingman straightening himself and leaping beyond the airship desk, spreading his wings and floating to the rampart roof, landing safely and regressing his wings, kneeling so his passenger could get off.

“Much obliged, good sir!”

"Alvays happy to help a visitor to de capital!"



11

Jaani faced the fleet admiral. "So...where to now?"

"Ve vill tour Gladshyym..." The crown prince knew she was referring to Zyyaeon's central ring, home to the politicians and government. "...but first, ve vill show you to your quarters at Vaalhæll."

"I get to stay in Vaalhæl? Really?"

"Indeed. You are a gæst of our kingdom, and you deserve royal trreat-ment."

"Well, I'm just here for the Djamboor, but I never thought I would be staying in luxury!"

"Ve are certain de Zanktkoenig Himself vould approve."

"Will I get to meet Him?"

"Dat vould depend upon vhether His Holy Majesty is busy vith vhatever affairs transpire across His kingdom. He is a just monarch, so chances are he vould—depending upon vhat your business is."

Jaani then pondered the matter of meeting the Zanktkoenig to convince Him to allow the airship technology outside Asyyrgraad. "I would just meet Him, then, as an ambassador of my homeland."

"And vhere vould dat be, exactly?"

"Southern Anagumayra, as you guessed before."

"Yes, but vich country dere?"

"Ah...ah..."

"Atturgraad, perhaps?"

“You got me there.”

"You have a unique… composition. Are you from de royal family dere?"

“I might be, yeah.”

“Do you haf your papers?”

“Gimme a sec…” Jaani began as he reached for his backpack.

"Dat von’t be necessary, Holtjaan Frysianus Kaulilanun Atturgraad, Crown Prince of de Kingdom of Atturgraad—most populous country in Anagumayra."

To hear his full legal name quaked Jaani, who heard tales of how speaking one's complete identity could depower them in many regards and knew that border patrolmen tended to verify them to keep guests of their countries in check.

“Ain’t ’eard that name in ages — ’cept when me mum and dad used it when I really mucked up.”

"Quite a commanding powerr, indeed.”

“Other than that… you serious ’bout me meetin’ the bleedin’ Zanktkoenig ’Imself?”

"As ve said before, dat vould be a matter of His current state of business."

“Let’s hope he’s got a spot in ’is diary, then!”

"But you are here for de Djyambor, are you not?"

“Too right I am! So, shall we head on over to the palace, then?”

"Ve could vaste de day talking here forever, so let us make haste."

“We flyin’ there or wot?”

"Ve shall go a more indirect route, dear prince."

“Wot d’you mean by that, then?”

"A more scenic path to de palace—if you understand vhere I’m at."

“Still don’t get it, I don’t.”

"Follow us downstairrs, den, and you vill see."


12

Jaani followed the Asyyr entourage to the rampart's stairs and descended into the chamber below, centered by a queer contraption of sorts. Surrounding it was stone railing about an Einmytr high at its topmost points, resemblant of the rampart rooftop with right-angular rises and falls. The party circled this to the device's northern side, where an opening about two Einmytren wide, with a narrow gap between the floor and another square floor with its own railing of polished wood. Above could the crown prince glimpse a steel crosshatched roof, through which he could faintly see the rampart chamber's ceiling.

“Wot the bloody Hekh is this thing?”

"It vill bring us to de bottom of dis tower."

“Aye, beats leggin’ it down a mountain o’ stairs, don’t it?”

"One of many tings ve kept in mind vhen creating it."

“I’m willin’ to give it a go, I am.”

"Step aboard, den!"

"I will, Myna," agreed Jaani as he did so.

"Come along, den, everyone! Let’s show our friend from Atturgraad vhat dis ting can do!"

"Aye, mahdam!"

Jaani saw the lever by the entrance to this platform, the fleet admiral pulling it down, after which began its descent at a steady speed that was luckily wasn't intense enough to make anyone lose their footing. During the drop, the crown prince could see several light holes illuminating the descent, undoubtedly there to prevent total darkness in the trip, and this made him feel secure, never claustrophobic. After a minute or two, the platform began to slow until it stopped, after which a steel barrier around an Einmytr tall like that at the top of the shaft descended into the floor, allowing the party into the bottom of the rampart tower interior.

“Bloomin’ amazin’! I’d ask ’ow this thing works, but I s’pose you’d say it’s a secret, eh?”

"But of course, dear Jaani—tough dat may change if you meet de Zanktkoenig."

“Can I at least get the name o’ whatever it is you lot call it?”

"It goes by many names: elevator, lift, or… vell, dose are actually de only ones I can tink of."

“Deffo beats the bloody Hekh outta somethin’ like Ma’ajyyk liftin’ the platform up ’n’ down—seein’ as that ain’t smiled on in most o’ the world!”

"Yes, indeed. Come along, now! Ve have a city to see!"


13

The entourage headed for the northern side of the rampart interior, whose doors guards opened to allow them into Gladshyym. To glimpse the inner city took Jaani's breath away, the crown prince seeing the bottoms of the beautiful buildings he had seen from the skyline. The current gold-bricked road lay a Dekkamytr wide and extended straightforward to the central building that the otter Kyymaer supposed was Vaalhæll, of whitish and bluish crystal with undulating hues giving it an ethereal rainbow look.

The party stood in an intersection connecting said pathway with the curved road he assumed encircled the edge of the Gladshyym, and began advancing to Vaelhæll, remaining silent during the early part of their trek. Jaani was taken aback by the northernmost city's grandeur, diverse material forming the buildings that seemed solely residential or political. A few residents opened windows, ground floor and above, witnessing the military force advancing, some recognizing the fleet admiral and waving their greetings, afterward regressing to whatever they had been doing beforehand. The street traffic was surprisingly light, with maybe an occasional pedestrian or carriage and little congestion.

"Velcome to Gladshyym, everyone!" proclaimed the fleet admiral.

“Cor, that’s amazin’, that is.” Jaani whispered.

"As you all can plainly see, ve take extra care in de construction of our buildings and don’t suffer from de poverty or dilapidation of de nations to de south."

“Atturgraad’s got its troubles, no doubt. I reckon Asyyrgraad’s got its fair share too, eh?"

"Our parliament is certain dat de affairs of de people are properly taken care of."

"Aye, but Atturgraad has its own parliament, but it's a pain handling everything the people go through."

"It’s just a matter of politicians having de right priorities."

“The Zanktkoenig — ’E got political clout, then?”

"It vould be pointless vere He not to have any, and indeed He does!"

“Well, me ol’ man runs the military — it’s just up to the senate to declare war.”

"His Holy Majesty is Himself de head of our military, although God-General Reyvngaard leads de army, Fleet Admiral Sjulmaan de navy, and I de aerial navy, and ve all rank equally below Him."

“The Zanktkoenig — ’E got any other say in politics? Me dad can pass or veto stuff from Parliament... but the royal council can overrule ’im, see.”

"The same goes for our parliament, but pretty much every piece of legislation dat does pass does so overwhelmingly—two-thirds for automatic adoption into law—so dat de Zanktkoenig need not veto anything. And even His own royal council largely supports Him."

“Asyyrgraad’s what our lot modelled their system on in loads o’ ways — same with our neighbours, really.”

"Den ve pretty much have a lot more in common den I vould believe."

“Oh yeah? You lot do elections, then?”

"Yes, and I assure you dey are as free as yours."

“I’d reckon otherwise, meself…”

"Be avare dat not all of de vorld’s democratic systems are alike."

“I’m aware, yeah — but yours works different, does it?”

"Yes. For one, de commoners here don’t vote directly for whoever represents dem."

“Right, I see. That’s not like Atturgraad — there, voters twenty an’ up get to pick from a bunch o’ candidates…”

"Such a system vould undoubtedly create de risk of said candidates becoming eart’en gods of makeshift cults."

“But most of ’em still follow the Asyyrkirk, yeah? Maybe a few other faiths, but they ain’t goin’ round becomin’ gods like Jehuveshah, that’s for sure.”

"Be dat truly so? Do their attitudes truly reflect their hypothetical faiths?"

“Now that you say it, some of ’em might not ’ave any gods — just their parties, or whoever’s runnin’ the show…”

"Indeed, and de Lord Jehuveshah explicitly forbids it in His Dekkalaag."

“‘No other gods before yerself’ — yeah, I know that one well enough.”

"Yet dere exist many in politics who vould rather forsake their faiths dan be truly good beasts."

“I just don’t see the sense in it. Who in their right mind’d wanna end up damned in the Thereafter — if they ’ad the choice, I mean?”

"Indeed, and such beasts bear false vitness against demselves in feigning piety."

“Also part o’ the Dekkalaag, yeah?”

"You are certainly a far better Asyyrkirker dan such politicians."

“And I’d be a right proper king one day, I would — damn compassionate too, mind you.”

"Kings and queens themselves risk becoming leaders of deir own personality cults."

“Jehu’s the One King — rules over the bleedin’ lot of ’em.”

"Those who respect His teachings and act as such are de fittest politicians."

“’Ear, ’ear!”


14

The fleet admiral and her party conversed all the way to the great steel doors leading into the palace grounds of Vaelhæll, guards allowing them through and to see beautiful foliage lining the golden roadway, hedges of exotic hues by the path, dotted by flowers from all across Bystopfia. Forward, Jaani could see the royal palace proper, whose prismatic construction was more lustrous, glittering with whatever light touched it. The crown prince guessed that the tower extended endless Kylomytren, its height seeming neverending. He supposed the Zanktkoenig's palace too would utilize elevator technology like at the outer ramparts of Gladshyym.

Defending the entrance was a tall armored horse, blonde, blue-eyed, white-furred, white-feather-winged--which made him a Pegysioux--holding a halberd that matched his height. He greeted, dignified but still with a slight Asyyr accent, "Madam Fleet Admiral, 'tis a pleasure to meet thee again!"

"You as vell, lord general," returned Myna, hugging the huge equine Syrapfer, her height barely reaching to his chest. "Jaani, dis is Sleypniir Oerstyyd, Lord Commander of de Asyyr Royal Guard."

"Pleasure’s mine, guv’nor," greeted the crown prince, removing his Kampfenhut and kneeling, the others following his lead.

"At ease, everyone," the general assured, everyone getting up. "Any soldier of the Zanktkoenigdom is welcome to Vaelhæll. May I ask who thou art, young scout?"

“I’m ’ere for the Djyambor, Lord General.”

"Art thou, now?" The Pegysioux pensively paused for a few seconds. "Crown Prince of Atturgraad, eh? And yes, the Djyambor will be held here the eve of the new year. Until then, thou art welcome to traverse the palace and Gladshyym, provided thou behavest thyself."

“Way ahead o’ you, General!”

"I can see thou art of good intent, young prince. Come inside, all of ye, now."

The general advanced forward and pirouetted to face the doors, which then opened perhaps through his Ma'ajyyk or mechanisms like those powering the rampart elevator. Everyone entered Vaelhæll, the doors sealing them inside. The palace interior took the crown prince aback, given the sheer volume of the entrance hall and its features. Royal guards clad in armor like the general's patrolled the area, some winged and others wingless, the violet gold-embroidered carpets indicating the main pathways. Crystal columns supported the halls, light coming from circular ceiling stubs, a mechanic alien to the prince.

“Cor, amazin’… not even Atturgraad Palace’s a patch on this!”

"Aye, and one could fit numerous residences into this hall itself," noted the general. "Many legislators, bureaucrats, and whatnot, in fact, reside in these very halls."

“Same as back home, that.”

"Asyyrgraad hath its own bureaucratic hierarchy, but our kingdom is largely centralized, given that Zyyaeon and Gladshyym are the biggest cities."

“D’you reckon someone like me could get a word with ’Is Holy Majesty?”

"Our king hath found Himself occupied with more important affairs, young prince. We Asyyrites mostly keep to ourselves and not involve ourselves in world affairs unless the very fate of beastkind dictateth otherwise."

“But you gotta keep a handle on what’s goin’ on round the world, right? Surely the Asyyrkirk’s got pull all over Bystopfia, yeah?”

"Spiritual matters are one thing, but lording over political matters is another entirely."

“I s’pose the Zanktvatren do most o’ the Lord’s work outside Asyyrgraad, right?”

"And their lesser Kaardnaalen, of course. They do fine work for the glory of the Asyyrkirk to enforce the rules set forth by the Byybæl."

“Ever met the High Zanktvatr, have ya?”

"That I have not, although His High Holiness occasionally visiteth Asyyrgraad."

“Good to know, that is.”

"Lord Pæuus hath many affairs he recently dealt with in Batnbelfreya, such as a certain noble seeking advice on who could marry his daughter."

To hear this unnerved Jaani, who responded, “Well, let’s just hope that noble — or whoever ’e is — finds someone proper for ’is daughter, eh?”

"I shall say naught more on that matter, good prince. Let us carry on with the tour."


15

The head of the royal guards indicated, "I am certain ye can see the doors on the central column of the entrance hall. Fathom a guess of where they lead?"

“I can, yeah! Up through the tower, right?”

"Thou art quite keen in your supposition, my dear prince, but thou must be careful, for too much knowledge can be deadly from certain mindsets."

“I can keep schtum ’bout the lifts — not that I know how they work, ta very much.”

General Oerstyyd lifted his spear and forcefully tapped its bottom on the carpet, unnerving Jaani for fear of invoking the wrath of one of its military leaders. However, he calmly continued, "Now we shall save the...lift, elevator, or however one termeth it...until we have finished our tour of Valehæll's ground floor. Let us carry on."

Thus continued the tour of the Zanktkoenig's palace, with the general escorting everyone across the carpeted portion of ground floor to a pair of doors smaller than those leading into the tower itself, where royal guards on watch saluted and let everyone through, after which was a curving, narrower hall spanning two levels, the Ma'ajyyk wall and ceiling lights illuminating everything. Jaani was lost in thought about experiencing the elevator technology, fearing his life would be forfeit were he to leave Asyyrgraad knowing about it. Thus, he dared not ask anything further.

"These are the offices and in many instances quarters for Asyyrgraad's elected officials and their families, should they have any. In quite a few cases, some have been allowed to remain here after retiring to spend time with their families depending upon how well their constituents adored them."

“I’d reckon Vaelhæll’d get proper crowded if that ’appened, eh, General?”

"The mortal ones eventually perish, my dear prince, although the Syrapferen tend to prolong the time they spend here."

“Hmm… I see, I do.”

"I should mention that the legislators have limits as to how long they may remain in elected office."

“Clever bit o’ thinkin’, that. I’d say a system like that keeps fresh blood runnin’ the gov’, don’t it?”

"The very point. Asyyrgraad holds elections every four years unless the legislature dissolveth before then, all subsequent members must be new. However, if they have been out of office, they can return. The party leaders must be new as well, chosen by their members, and they appoint whomever they choose from the redrawn districts that come with every election. This preventeth the electorate from becoming too attached to their officials."

“I get it — reckon that’d stir up cults, wouldn’t it? And I know most voters’d rather worship their leaders than the Lord Jehu, sad as it is.”

"The God to rule them all."

“If you don’t mind me askin’ — who does the Zanktkoenig worship, then? I mean, loads o’ emperors, kings, queens, dukes, an’ the rest all claim they’re divine, don’t they?”

"There are many things in this world best left unanswered, young prince."

“Fair enough — won’t poke me nose in no more.”

"Now continueth the tour."


16

As it turned out, the corridor circled all the way back to the main hall, where he indicated, "Goodness! I realized not that the day ageth, so perhaps tomorrow shall we continue the tour. I am certain there are some among ye who yearn to visit what shall be their quarters for at least one evening, the dear prince being among them."

“That’d suit me just fine, it would, General.”

"I have...business to which I must attend. Lady Myna, thou knowest thy way around Vaelhæll, so I am certain thou wouldst will to show him to a vacant bedroom chamber."

"I vould be honored to do so, Sleps."

"Do ve get our own rooms too, admiral?" one of the soldiers asked.

"But of course! However, as he is our most important guest, Jaani shall be shown his quarters first." The soldiers groaned. "Patience!"

"Aye, madam!"

"Follow along, Jaani."

“You got it!”

As the fleet admiral began to lead Jaani away, one of the sentinels asked, "Vhat shall ve do in de meantime?"

"Hang around de main hall; I vill fetch de rest of you later."

"Aye, madam!"

Jaani and Myna proceeded to the central column in the main hall, its doors, to the former's surprise, opening automatically to reveal a cylindrical chamber into which they went, after which the entrance shut to seal them within. Both pirouetted to face the doors, noticing a rectangular panel with the numbers zero through nine as buttons below a smaller black rectangle. Although the crown prince knew not how to proceed, the fleet admiral approached this alien mechanic and pressed several of the numerals, which consequentially appeared on the smaller rectangle, after which she touched the button below the numbers. Away from this panel stepped Myna, with Jaani feeling the elevator begin to rise, its speed intensifying every second, though it felt not intense enough to shake him off balance. As it moved, the otter Kyymaer gazed about, noticing light emanating from the ceiling that seemed to use the same technology as in the entrance hall and office corridors.

The elevator eventually slowed down, halting completely, the doors opening, letting the two into this floor's corridors. Once they stepped onto the violet carpet with yellow embroidering, the lift doors closed, Jaani noticing this floor's halls were far more closed than those at the bottom. The fleet admiral led the crown prince along silently, the two passing occasional bureaucrats, soldiers, nobles, and maybe a few children.


17

Myna led Jaani to one of the translucent windows on the edge of the floor, where he could glimpse the cityscape below and the frozen tundra beyond, dotted by an occasional abode. He could see far, noticing as well Igdraskjyu, a great tree protruding from Bybaelusia, the city in Bavrlonjia where the Byybæl received its name, and at whose base Jehuveshah addressed His people before he ascended into its topmost branches, a sphere of flora allegedly home to a world like Bystopfia, albeit smaller.

“The view’s proper gorgeous, it is, ma’am.”

"Gorgeous, indeed."

“Wouldn’t mind visitin’ Bybaelusia someday, meself.”

"I don’t tink dat vould be a good idea, dear prince."

“Why not, then?”

"De government of Bavrlonjia vould not vant outsiders to come on casual visits."

“Wot for?”

"You are truly ignorant in de affairs of de vorld despite your princely state—no offense, or anything."

“No offence taken. Me country mostly sticks to its own business — neighbours, treaties, trade, all that. Ain’t really got the coin or the time to throw its weight round outside Anagumayra.”

"Fit for a small country like yours, but Asyyrgraad is a vorld power—especially given de Asyyrkirk—and must keep an eye on de happenings of Bystopfia, vhere our faith exists, like Bavrlonjia and other countries in continents like Muzpelhyym."

“Still, Aulvenheim’s closer though, innit?”

"Indeed, and as de Asyyrkirk is most active dere, ve vant at de least some knowledge about vhat transpires dere."

“But the Kirk’s in Muzpelhyym too, yeah? Got its own Zanktvatr an’ everythin’, right?”

"Dat may be de case, but ve must be really careful about how ve involve ourselves in de affairs of all Bystopfia. I am certain dat Atturgraad does not have influence all over de vorld."

“’Course not.”

"And vherever de Kirk exists, ve see fit to have some involvement in vorld affairs, but dere is such a ting as being too involved."

"Too involved?"

"Basically, involving voneself in de personal politics of other countries. It is folly to protest dat vich occurs in foreign countries over dat vich occurs in yours."

“But some rulers in other places are right tyrants, ain’t they? Surely they deserve a bit o’ freedom — like what the Kirk’s after in the nations it’s got pull in, yeah?”

"It is not de duty of de Zanktkoenig to police de affairs of de vorld, but to see to it dat its people live in harmony."

“Didn’t Asyyrgraad go to war at the end o’ the First Æpaak?”

"Aye, but it vas Nivlhyym dat sought to bring de vorld under its control and actively aggressed against Asyyrgraad. One var to see to de peace of de vorld is quite enough, and de Zanktkoenig vould very much concur vith me."

“Don’t you worry Bavrlonjia might torch Igdraskjyu or somethin’? Start up another dark age — or an ice one — like when that big ol’ rock slammed into Aurabaea?”

"Meteors are not our concern. De Little Fymblvetr vas naught compared to de real vone."

“Just got this feelin’ another war might break out, y’know?”

"Vhy do you say so?"

“Dunno, really… I just get scared, what with the world bein’ so split up an’ all — feels like anythin’ could kick off at any moment.”

"De vorld needs to be diverse for it to survive—vhether in terms of its inhabitants, environments, belief systems, structures of government, or vhatnot. You are a diverse sort of beast, and you survive quite fine, don’t you tink?"

Jaani felt his donkey ears and bullhorns. “You got me there, Myna!”

"Dere vas once a time vhen de vorld vas far more divided dan it is today—the time of de Antediluvjyans—and dey attempted to unite as one people, vith disastrous results."

“The Antediluvyans, eh? Heard that tale before, I ’ave.”

"It is a good cautionary tale of vhat happens vhen people fail to make peace vith demselves before dey seek to make peace vith others."

“I s’pose Atturgraad stands by the same ideals — but why ain’t Asyyrgraad pushin’ for world peace, if it’s already got it sorted at home?”

"Only extremists deal in absolutes. Dere can never exist a complete sense of feeling one vay or de other. Nations may battle one another, but it is best dat deir engagements remain localized."

“But what if it’s about religious persecution? Surely Asyyrgraad’s got somethin’ to say ’bout that, yeah?”

"Rest assured, good prince, dat de Asyyrkirk is vell aware of de happenings of its various dioceses across de vorld. Ve do have at least one member of our military at every church across Bystopfia, but at de same time, ve vish not to engage in all-out var vith whoever seeks to persecute our faith."

“Fair enough — but I reckon it’s noble to stand up for your faith, if it’s a real cause worth fightin’ for. Got that wrong, ’ave I?”

"Indeed, it is noble to battle in defense of your religion, but to make peace vith vhat had been and de status quo is a sign of maturity—and itself is noble as vell."

“Not sure I’m followin’, to be honest.”

"Dere are many tings in de vorld de average beast is not meant to understand, religion among dem."

“But don’t science try to make sense o’ what we don’t get yet?”

"Science is anoder matter, good prince. If it is a question of making one’s life easier—as ve do vith tings like our lifts and lighting—it is a noble aim. But it is arrogant vhen it seeks to supplant religion."

“I’m with you — it’s all well an’ good if we’re tryin’ to cure disease an’ that. Does Asyyrgraad see it the same way?”

"But of course, although those who vish to satisfy deir own curiosities in dat regard, ve let do so on deir own—vithout de aid of our government."

“Bit like keepin’ science and the state separate, yeah?”

"Indeed. Ve have no problem vith those who seek scientific advancement, but do take issue vith those corrupted by de subject."

“I’d imagine givin’ scientists a load o’ coin would end up as a nice little kickback to the folks who handed it out in the first place.”

"Dat is a philosophy ve share. Scientists are as fallible and opinionated beasts as de rest of us are, and ve seek to adopt de technology of those who are unbiased in deir findings and not corrupted by de almighty Kyrœne."

“Or Pfjyund, dependin’ on where you live.”

"Money corrupts vatever it touches—from de politician to de scientist to de journalist."

“Everyone’s got a right to their own opinions — just not their own facts.”

"Does de press freely operate in your country, lord prince?"

“True — but they do twist things one way or the other more often than not.”

"Such is de case vith any nation’s press across de vorld."

“Still, folks need to know what’s goin’ on in their own countries, don’t they?”

"Of course, dough de press need not run rampant as dey please and politicize everyting."

“Yeah — journalists an’ politicians ain’t experts in everythin’, are they?”

"Ja, and even here in Asyyrgraad, dere are a few who tink dey know everyting."

“Wot sorta folks run your country, then — y’know, aside from the Zanktkoenig?”

"A good mix of those from various backgrounds—like attorneys, businessmen, educators, men and vomen of de military, and de like."

“It’s pretty much the same back in Atturgraad. Ever thought about goin’ into politics, Myna?”

"Here in Asyyrgraad, one does not run for office but is rather appointed in most cases. I am unsure if General Oerstyyd told you about dat."

“He did, yeah, he did. But what about you — would you give politics a go?”

"Jehu, no."


18

The twelve Æklaak bells tolled as the two rambled on, with Myna stating, "De day is growing old, and I assume you vould like me to show you to your room?"

"Of course," agreed Jaani. "I'm hungry as well."

"You can order a meal from your room, in dat case."

"For real? I dunno how that'll work, but you can explain it to me when we get there, no?"

"Come along, den!"

Jaani followed Myna the brief distance to the entrance of the quarters he would occupy for his nights in Zyyaeon, a doorway like that on the elevator but flat.

"That was quick."

"Given dat you are a special guest, being a prince and all, it is only fitting dat you deserve a room vith a view."

"That's really kind of you all!" Jaani eyed the door, seeing no keyhole, but a panel like that in the lift on its left side, with a large black square and a rectangle above it, both indicated by white outlines. "No key? How the Hekh am I supposed to get in?"

"It’s part of our technology, good prince."

"One surprise after another. So, how do I open it?"

"Press your left paw onto de square panel."

“Alright then — I’ll give it a go.”

Jaani placed his left paw on the designated panel, feeling a brief vibration and hearing a faint whirring that culminated in the door quickly sliding open. Then he entered the dark chamber, taken aback when the lights suddenly came on, using the same technology down in the main hall. He saw a king-size bed with violet curtains and the window that spanned the outer wall and had violet curtains as well. Before this was a brief hall with another door, narrower than the entrance, by which was a counter with a glossy white surface, above which were two circular lights that came on when he eyed them.

“Blimey, this is… amazin’! You sure I can stay ’ere?”

"You are an esteemed guest, so ja."

"Wot about guests who ain’t quite so esteemed?"

"All visitors of good intent are velcome to quarters like dese. Those vithout such character are confined to de prison cells below de palace."

“Well, fingers crossed I don’t end up there while I’m visitin’, eh?”

"Rest assured dat ve trust you, dear prince… for de time."

“Wot’s behind this door, then?” wondered Jaani as he went to the door by the counter, which immediately slid open to reveal a bathroom that received light, with a toilet, bath and shower combination, sink, and all, that were of advanced Asyyr technology. "Proper smart!"

"And here is de closet," noted Myna as she indicated the sliding doors opposite the bathroom entrance that Jaani approached, which opened when he drew close to reveal numerous hanging noble dress clothes and pajamas in the violet and gold colors of Asyyrgraad. "You need not wear de same clothes every day you are here, if you did bring your own clothing."

“I did, yeah. Now you say it, I left me carriage back at the checkpoint, down south at the border.”

"Dey vere informed dat you vere to be taken to Zyyaeon, so dey took de luxury to bring your roach and carriage up here."

“Really? That’s right generous of ’em!”

"And your supplies are here in your qvarters, in fact."

Jaani then glimpsed the bed, seeing the clothes he had brought and other supplies at its foot. “Cor, cheers! Though I dunno if I’ll be eatin’ just me own food here — I mean, I’m clearly livin’ it up in luxury at Vaelhæll…”

"In dat case..." Myna led Jaani to the nightstand by the bed, indicating an odd device on it with a large candlestick-like portion and a rough bell-like attachment. "You are velcome to order vhatever you vant here."

“Wot you on about?”

"Here in Vaelhæll, ve have a very different system of vhat you call room service."

“I… still don’t get it.”

"Tell me: vhat are you in de mood to eat dis evening?"

“Dunno… maybe lobster or somethin’, like I have back home?”

Myna then took the apparatus on the nightstand, placed the smaller corded portion to her ear and spoke into the taller part, "Two plates of lobster vith lobster mashed potatoes, rice, asparagus, one strawberry lemonade, and one glass of vine!"

"Uh, wot..." Jaani then heard a whirring and faced in its direction, noticing the circular table across from the bed with two chairs, a circular light centering the countertop on which materialized two plates of the mentioned meals with glasses of the requested drinks and utensils. "The bloody Hekh’s goin’ on ’ere?”

"You said you vere hungry, no?" the ferretmaid inquired as she took one of the seats at the table and plates and started to eat. "Come on, sit and eat!"

"Okay..." Jaani agreed as he took the other chair and plate, reluctant to dine.

"Don't vorry, it's not poisoned!"

“Why’d I think it were poisoned?”

"Relax, I yest, I yest! Ve’d likely do dat to Nivl guests here, but not to honored guests! Vell, go on and eat!"

"Right..." Jaani sliced a bit of lobster meat from the chunk on his plate and ate it. "Good...sure as Hekh don’t taste like poison.”

"Vould you know vhat poison tastes like?"

“Bet it ain’t pleasant. Is this proper food or just a bit o’ fancy illusion?”

"It is indeed real food. Our chefs vay down below cook cuisine all de time to fit any kind of appetite!"

“So they… just make the food come ’ere through Ma'ajyyk, or somethin’?”

"Dat is true."

“Does the Zanktkoenig eat like this an’ all?”

"Heavens, no! He prefers to eat traditional breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as I am certain you are used to back in Atturgraad."

“Has His Holy Majesty shown His face at one o’ these meals lately?”

"He has been...occupied."

“Define ‘occupied,’ if you don’t mind.”

"I vould rather not answer dat."

“Right then, I won’t press it.”

"Dat vould be for de best."

“Got it. Ta for the meal.”

"I had no part but to summon it. Your compliments should be directed at de chefs."

“Pass me compliments on to the cooks, yeah?”

"Be dere anything else you vould like to talk about?"

“I dunno… maybe just stick the dishes back on the center panel, right?”

"You guessed correctly. Anything else?"

“Will I see you again, then?”

"Of course! I vill be at de Djyamboor!"

“I’ll see you then — if not sooner!”

"Very vell. Oh! I forgot dat I vas dining vith you! You are velcome to eat vhat I didn’t, if you vish. I mean, I could send it back to de kitchen, and dey vould clean it up, maybe feed de poor vith de leftovers, I suppose, vichever you prefer."

“The poor in Gladshyym can ’ave your leftovers. I ain’t gonna get greedy.”

"De poor do exist here in de capital, dough fortunately, none are homeless and destitute. Rich or poor, even one has a safety net of sorts."

“Back in Atturgraad, it sort o’ depends where you look — some folks live rough, some do alright.”

"Surely your parliament must do something about dem, no?"

“Politicians got... mixed priorities when it comes to stuff like that. Usually the Kirk steps in for the poor an’ needy. I reckon here, the Kirk’s everyone’s business, innit?”

"Dat is true."

“I’d ask if Asyyrgraad could share this spiffy food tech with the rest o’ the world, but I s’pose I’d just be talkin’ to a brick wall, eh?”

"It is not a matter of technology since de Aesfyyren use dere Ma'ajyyk to produce de food in de first place, but de commonfolk of de rest of de vorld in many cases don’t take kindly to dose vith inherent talent."

“True that. Some folks won’t suffer a witch or warlock to live, no question.”

"But anyway, I vill leave you to do your business before you call it a day."

“Ta again for the company, Myna! Hope I see ya again soon!”

"A fond farewell to you, prince."


19

The ferretmaid placed her partially-eaten meal upon the illuminated table center, where it glowed and vanished, the otter Kyymaer hoping it would feed whatever hungry existed in the northern capital. Jaani himself had his share of his own meal before he felt full and thus allowed the transportational mechanism to spirit away his own leftovers. Now alone, the crown prince stripped himself and placed it near his other clothes that were neatly stacked, going to the bathroom, which lit up, so he could get clean. Royalty tended to care for themselves better in that regard, the hybrid noticing that the fleet admiral had had a pleasant perfume about her, and that she had not been revolted from his smell. Since he hadn't cleaned himself in a while, Jaani hoped he could bathe and relax for the rest of the day so he could soundly sleep and spend the week in the capital before the Djyamboor.

Jaani eyed the combined shower and bathtub and approached it; to his surprise, the faucet began to pour water, the stopper below dropping so that it wouldn't drain. He dipped one of his paws into it, finding the temperature comfortable, after which he got in and lay with his head opposite the faucet. Gradually the fluid filled the tub, with the crown prince patiently awaiting the ability to immerse himself fully into it. After a minute or so, the water reached the level of his neck, where to his surprise the faucet ceased its deluge. A further surprise was that the otter Kyymaer could feel water jets on his submerged body, which he saw was the result of holes propelling them below the surface, perhaps through Ma'ajyyk. Furthermore, although the water started transparent, it slowly clouded, but he felt his fur mysteriously being cleansed as he bathed, sparing him the labor of doing so manually.

Further curious, Jaani lifted one of his paws above the water and tasted it. Though he expected a chemical taste, it was surprisingly pleasant with a mint flavor. However, he refrained from drinking it as he wished to concentrate on relaxing and cleaning. So that his head would be clean too, he submerged himself fully, allowing his head to get wet, after which he emerged bedraggled. The cleansing jets ultimately ceased, the water static for a few seconds, after which the drain stopper lifted and the fluid began to empty. The clean crown prince stayed patient as the water level dropped, as he knew that sudden emergence would lead to frigid conditions, so he lay still until all the water was gone, after which he struggled to stand, his wettened fur fairly ponderous, although he pushed through it until he was sturdily on his feet. Afterward, he sought towels, perplexed that they seemed absent, leaving him to wonder why Vaelhæll wouldn't allow this luxury.

Jaani got his answer in the middle of this thought, not noticing at first the drilled holes on the shower walls above the bathtub, which now appeared to discharge hot jets of air that began drying his fur. They were intense to the point where the crown prince actually felt himself dryer with each second, the streams blowing his fur to and fro until completely dry, the jetstreams ending. Then he departed the tub, looking into the mirror above the bathroom sink and seeing his handsome hybrid self. He smiled but then saw that his teeth were yellower than usual and wondered if there were some superior method in this tower to cleanse them, making him look at the sink.

The prince saw a crystal bottle that he lifted and analyzed, finding Asyyr lettering that perhaps through Ma'ajyyk changed to Anagumayran, indicating that its contents would cleanse his mouth. Thus, he opened the cap and poured some of the liquid into his jaw, swishing it around for a few seconds and instantly feeling a cleaning sensation. Then he spit it into the sink, seeing it drain and leave no stains.


20

Done in the bathroom, Jaani reentered the bedroom, facing the closet and seeking nightwear. He found a one-piece pajama suit with buttons on the front and a dropseat on its rear, violet with golden embroidering. This he put on, feeling the temperature comfortable, perhaps another effect of the tower's Ma'ajyyk. He walked to the bed and drew open one of its curtains to see the bed itself with a violet comforter with golden embroidering that matched his pajamas' patterns, pulling it to find the golden pillows and sheets below. However, he had tasks to see through before he officially called it a day.

Jaani sat at the room's desk, seeing a quill and bottle of ink, which he used to compose a message to his family back in Atturgraad, his script far superior to his speech:

Dear Lord Father and Lady Mother,

I am happy to announce I have safely arrived in Gladshyym. You will never see a haven more full of saintly folk and heroism, as the residents have been nothing but kind towards me. The technology here is vastly superior to that back in Atturgraad and the rest of the world, and I will see if I can establish full diplomatic relationships with Asyyrgraad in hopes they can share it with us, maybe the rest of Baertaanjya and its allies.

With all due love,
Holtjaan, Crown Prince of Atturgraad

Then he went to the bed, crawled under the sheets, and began his slumber, unsurprised that the chamber darkened as he did so.

The Conquest of Bread by Pyotr Kropotkin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I've been delving into classical philosophical texts that I have actually enjoyed far more than most modern fiction, and as I am trying to open my mind ideologically, looked into "controversial" texts like Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels' The Communist Manifesto, which I actually found well-written and had some common ground with, though I am not far into the left politically. Another philosopher I looked into given my agreement with many of his quotes is anachrocommunist Peter Kropotkin, with whom I started with the somewhat oddly-named The Conquest of Bread.

History has many examples of communistic societies like Ancient Greece and those that somewhat came about due to revolutions in England and France, communism and collectivism emerging in 1866 due to the lack of faith in political democracy.

The introduction of new technology has tended to increase human productivity, but while the masses helped build great infrastructure throughout the nineteenth century, most ended up poor because of a privileged few that seized the resources used, every new invention a synthesis of previous technologies. Political radicals have tended to regress after brief revolutionary activity, with Kropotkin expressing his mantra of the Right to Well-Being for All.

Contrary to what middle-class economist Malthus believed, the productive ability of mankind increases far more rapidly than its reproductive capability. Kropotkin rightfully notes that tons of food and labor go to waste, and believed in expropriation, taking private property for public use. He noted how police and politicians were unsure in his time on how to deal with revolutionaries, and that the poor, rich, and existing governments were further uncertain of how to solve the problems they protested. He espoused the Right to Live, and that society needs to share among all the means of existence it has at its disposal.

Kropotkin proceeds to discuss anarchist communism, that anarchy leads to communism and vice versa, both being expressions of the pursuit of equality. Even in societies that seek individualism, communistic elements like public museums and libraries exist. Commoners tend to be ignorant about the goings-on of their governments, even with the media, which still definitely applies today. Free societies must seek groups and free federations in harmony with new economic phases of history.

The next chapter focuses on expropriation, with the wealthy Rothschild family threatened by the 1848 revolutions across Europe, Kropotkin noting that barons taxed their people to enrich themselves. Landlords owed their riches to the poverty of their people, and the wealth of capitalists come from the same source. The ideas of anarchism and expropriation were more sympathetic among men of independent character and for those whom idleness isn't a supreme ideal.

The following chapter emphasizes food, with Kropotkin elaborating on the history of the first three French states following the French Revolution: the Republic in 1793, the Labour government in 1848, and the Free Commune in 1871. Revolts are feared during great financial crises, with the proposal of seizing food from insurgent communes. The wage system, a staple of capitalism, needs to be impossible, although people need to be given free hands, with food service allegedly being conducted regularly within ten days. People in great towns will be driven by circumstances to take possession of provisions beginning with bare necessities, gradually extending communism to other things to satisfy all citizens. Revolution, however, should be gradual, with Kropotkin implying the use of a barter system, offering goods in exchange for labor while giving necessities to people in need. Countries should not depend on foreigners for support, with a combination of agriculture and industry being a staple of anarchist communism.

Kropotkin proceeds to discuss dwellings, with revolutionaries needing to work together and refuse positions of authority. If people are to expropriate goods, it would need to be executed in spite of all the insurmountable obstacles leveled against them. It's unnecessary to immediately and equally redistribute dwellings, but people usually make bad decisions when it comes to civic elections.

The next chapter is about clothing, with Kropotkin emphasizing the production of the greatest amount of goods needed to the well-being of all, with the least possible waste of human energy. He discusses the American workday, suggesting an alternate schedule of one working in the same conditions for thirty hours, six half-days of five hours each, to have bread for a whole year, and to work thirty half-days to guarantee the same to a family of five people.

Kropotkin then discusses luxury, citing that leisure is the supreme aim after food is secured, asking how men will act in society whose members are properly fed to satisfy those desiring lavish items, suggesting creative endeavors as an alternative. Most intellectual societies of his time were unpaid while workmen did the printing, Kropotkin incorrectly predicting literature and journalism would cease to be a means of moneymaking and living at the cost of others. He noted that membership fees into science societies could not be paid for in work, but that doesn't always apply today depending upon said work. Art is another endeavor he suggested during free time, which many of course still do today.

The following chapter focuses on "agreeable work," Kropotkin indicating that when socialists maintained that a society freed from capitalist rule would make labor agreeable and suppress repugnant drudgery, they were mocked. Societies regenerated by revolution would make domestic slavery disappear, the last form of slavery as it was the most ancient. He criticizes phalansteries, buildings made for utopian communities, suggesting that women as well would eventually be liberated from standard housework, with cleaning becoming easier in his time, so that rearing children can be easier.

In the next chapter, Kropotkin refutes the belief that chaos would arise without authorities like police, and mentions that the concept of free agreement keeps things like railways in order, and that central organizations are unnecessary. As long as Capital exists, he believed, Greater Capital would oppress the lesser, but oppression also arises from support governments give to capitalists. He then cites the canals in the Netherlands, governed by free associations there, alongside the Red Cross and German's military having free associations, with governments attempting to seize them.

Kropotin then addresses objections to his theories, that the threat of hunger is man's best stimulant for productive work, but then mentioned that former slaves in America and former serfs in Russia worked freely without force. He cites the communal hunts of nomadic tribes, and wanted to end both the separation between manual and brain work, and wagedom, suggesting a waste in human energy. Authoritarians pretend that employers and their overseers maintain work regularity in factories, when in reality goods go through many hands when being produced, and the workmen see to their quality. He ends the chapter saying that despite the premium of idleness offered by private ownership of capital, lazy men were rare unless it was due to illness.

Kropotkin suggests instead a labor-cheque system to replace wages, vouchers used in exchange for goods or services, and asks why qualified work must get higher compensation than simple work. He notes that people with degrees tend to exploit those without them, that the cost of production increases with the cost of skilled labor, and that wagedom perpetuates injustice, with the measurement of work itself being absurd.

He proceeds to consumption and production, with economists analyzing the latter's means of creating wealth by focusing on the division of labor, the factory, its machinery, and the accumulation of capital. Then economists later focus on consumption, the means resorted in society to satisfy individual needs, where they confine themselves to explaining how riches are divided among those vying with one another for their possession. Kropotkin alleges that surplus production is allegedly nonexistent, saying that society will need to satisfy the needs of all, which doing clean sweeps of prejudices regarding industry would address.

A short chapter is devoted to the division of labor, where individuals are split into two classes: the producers that consume little and are allegedly exempt from thinking since they do only physical work and work badly because their brains remain inactive; and the consumers that produce little or hardly anything and have the privilege of thinking for others and who think badly since the world of those who work with their hands is unknown to them. Kropotkin focuses on the rise of industrial agriculture in his time, noting a division of farmers and foremen.

Kropotkin proceeds to the decentralization of industry, noting the rise of factories with the end of serfdom, with countries like Britain and capitalists exploiting colonies like they had in India. Trade would lead to decentralization, and agriculture needs to exist near factories to become most efficient. He notes that endlessly exporting and importing certain goods would lead countries to be behind in agriculture and lag in industrialization.

The final chapter focuses on agriculture, Kropotkin indicating that Political Economy draws from false principles in the belief that personal interest is the only incentive forcing men to augment their productive capabilities. He then conducts math over the next few sections, suggesting that there would be enough food for all, and that fifty million work-days of five hours (fifty days per adult male) would be the amount, if measured by the market-garderners' standard of work, at least in his time. He touches upon greenhouses, which emancipate people from the climate, and that extending and generalizing methods of culture like irrigated meadows, hothouses, and kitchen gardens under glass are possible because they allow more produce with less work and greater certainty. He concludes that new horizons were opening before the social revolution, and that the situation was similar to that before the French Revolution, that political leaders would have to bow before revolutionaries.

Overall, while definitely a period piece, The Conquest of Bread is a great ideological text, with Kropotkin certainly being superior to Karl Marx ideologically--though Marx was good in his own right. Despite the datedness, Kropotkin gave good insight into the economic and political conditions of his time, with the writing being beautiful, and made excellent points, with great suggestions like a barter economy instead of a regular monetary economy, libertarian socialism being obviously far superior to authoritarian socialism that is prevalent today. He rightfully noted how communal societies have long existed and functioned--which is how communism got its name in the first place, from the commune--and today they could still be feasible, provided not mandated by the government.

Definitely a hallmark philosophical text.

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Here's a bonus cartoon:


The top says "Libertarian Socialism" (which is an actual thing) and the bottom "Authoritarian Socialism." I like doing cute weird meme shit like this.